Path 2

Path 2

Things We Hate–Bar Herding

June 5, 2009

Abuses at the greeter’s podium abound. Another is something we call bar herding. You arrive on time for your reservation to find a room with plenty of unclaimed tables, attractively set with white napery, wine glasses gleaming. Yet, instead of seating you promptly, the hostess says something like, “I’m sorry, your table is not quite ready yet. Could you please wait a moment at the bar,” gesturing toward a pair of empty stools. This is a crass attempt to jump-start your liquor consumption, adding a couple of $15 cocktails, plus tax and tip, to the overall tab.